Cade Brewer: It's weird not having Sam Ehlinger around Texas Longhorns

Former Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger threw passes to tight end Cade Brewer in each of the previous four seasons. Now, Ehlinger is in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, where he just made his preseason debut. Brewer is glad to see his former quarterback making a name for himself in the NFL.

Brewer is happy to see Ehlinger succeeding in the NFL

As he enters his fifth year with Texas, this season will be Brewer’s first without Ehlinger. In 43 career games, Brewer has started 22 games. He has caught 37 passes with 427 yards and five touchdowns. Last season, Brewer had career-highs with 15 receptions and 169 yards, in addition to two touchdowns.

Brewer was selected to the watch list for the 2021 John Mackey Award, given to college football’s most outstanding tight end. He was an All-Big 12 honorable mention last season.

Ehlinger’s preseason debut was a solid one, as he led the Colts to a comeback victory. Brewer said he watched every minute of it. With Ehlinger expected to start next week’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, Brewer is excited to see what his former Texas teammate can do.

“I watched it, it was great seeing him out there,” Brewer said. “It’s weird seeing him in an NFL uniform. Kind of freaked me out a little bit. But he did great. I watched the whole thing. He was making plays like usually like he always does. But that’s news to me, I didn’t know he was starting against Minnesota. That’s great, that’s awesome. I can’t wait to see how he does and I know he’s going to do great.”

Brewer watched Ehlinger have a very successful career at Texas

In his four years at Texas, Ehlinger threw for 11,436 yards and 94 touchdowns. He also ran for 1,903 yards and 33 touchdowns. He was selected in the sixth-round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Colts.

With expected starting quarterback Carson Wentz currently sidelined with a foot injury, Ehlinger is fighting for a potential starting job, even if it is temporary. Jacob Eason is another player battling for the starting job.

With the Colts trailing 18-10 in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Ehlinger showcased some of the same success that he saw in college. He led the Colts on a touchdown drive and converted a two-point conversion to tie the game. Ehlinger then led the Colts on a game winning field goal drive in the ensuing possession. In his preseason debut, Ehlinger completed 10-of-15 passes for 155 yards.